New Collaboration Adds More Than 500 Walgreens Locations for MTA Employees to Get a Free Flu Shot; MTA Expands Worksite Locations to More Than 50 Systemwide 

View Photos of 'Stop the Flu in Its Tracks' Campaign

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced it is working with Walgreens to offer free flu shots to all MTA employees, and launched a new Authority-wide "Stop the Flu in Its Tracks" campaign to encourage all employees to get a flu shot. The new measures come as the MTA gears up to combat what health experts have called a potential “twindemic” of the standard seasonal flu virus resurfacing amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning Monday, Oct. 5, employees at all MTA agencies will be able to receive a free flu vaccination at more than 50 worksite locations and at all MTA Medical Assessment Centers (MAC) or by presenting a voucher at more than 500 Walgreens or Duane Reade locations in the New York metropolitan area or hundreds more beyond.

Promotional fliers and posters have been put up at occupational facilities across the MTA to help make scheduling a flu shot easier than ever before. MTA employees seeking the flu shot at MTA facilities should register in advance for appointments by calling an on-site contact listed in promotional materials.

“The best way to stay healthy is to be proactive. Getting a flu shot minimizes the risk of getting sick not only for yourself but your family and coworkers,” said MTA Chief Safety Officer Pat Warren. “Last year, just five percent of our workforce took advantage of our free vaccination program. Given what’s at stake this year, we can and need to do better. We’re all in this together. Sign up and get your free flu shot today.”

Walgreens Regional Healthcare Director Domenic DiPrimo said: “As highly accessible providers of care in the community, Walgreens and Duane Reade pharmacists will play an integral role in helping to protect MTA employees from the flu this season. We recognize how important it is for essential workers to be vaccinated against the flu, and doing our part means helping to reduce the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses in the New York area.”

TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano said: “Take advantage of this program and protect yourself from getting the flu. Don’t put it off. Pick the most convenient location, make an appointment, and go get your free flu shot.”

Sheet Metal Air Transportation (SMART) Union General Chairman Anthony Simon said: “Our organization supports any effort to keep LIRR employees, as well as all MTA employees and their families safe. Our members are on the frontlines as essential workers and we appreciate any effort to keep them safe and healthy.”

International Brotherhood of Teamsters (I.B.T.) Local 808 Secretary-Treasurer F. Christophe Silvera said: “IBT Local 808 is proud to partner with the MTA to protect the health and safety of our essential frontline employees. We understand the great importance of getting a flu shot, particularly at this time.” 

The MTA’s new initiative with Walgreens is part of the Authority’s multi-faceted approach to help ensure the health of MTA employees during the pandemic, including free access to COVID-19 testing at Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care centers, the deployment of our first-in-the-nation temperature brigade, the installation of plexiglass and vinyl barriers on buses and in select work locations and distribution of millions of items of personal protective equipment. The MTA has also instituted a $50 fine for riders who refuse to wear a mask on public transit. This measure follows Governor Cuomo's Executive Order 202.18 issued on April 17 requiring all customers and employees to wear a face covering while riding on public transit.

Additionally, the MTA’s Mask Force, comprised of volunteers from MTA leadership, employees, elected officials and advocacy groups, is traveling throughout the city and providing free masks to customers. Mask compliance is very high, above 90% across the MTA network. The Authority has also equipped buses with mask dispensers, installed vending machines that sell personal protective equipment, and launched a new capacity tracking app to track in real-time how many passengers are on a bus or LIRR train car.

Since March, the MTA has distributed 4.4 million N95 and K95 masks to employees since March, along with 3.9 million surgical masks, 11 million pairs of gloves, 67,000 gallons of hand sanitizer and 7.4 million individual cleaning wipes.

As ridership continues to increase on both subways and buses, the MTA continues to follow its 13-Point Action Plan for A Safe Return rolled out in June.

Workers—and all New Yorkers—are urged to follow the below recommendations from the CDC to help reduce the risk of getting sick:

• Wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines in public spaces
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home while you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern, or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas, should call ahead to their healthcare provider before presenting for treatment.